Latest News about Smart Grids - from Control Networks to Smart Meters, and Everything in Between

News from the Grid

Energy firms express tentative support for cybersecurity planTwo dozen energy companies have responded to a request from Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., seeking voluntary participation in a government program aimed at bolstering the nation's cyberdefenses. In their response to Rockefeller -- who recently sent letters to executives at Fortune 500 companies -- industry associations representing the utilities said they would be willing to cooperate on efforts that do not levy new mandatory guidelines and instead focus on existing standards. National Journal
(9/28)

5 tips for managing negative online commentsThe Internet gives your customers a voice online, but what can you do when that voice is yelling negative comments? With 5 tips, you can learn how to positively respond and help direct the conversation. Read the article and learn the 5 ways to respond positively.

Technology and Trends

Smarter planning takes hold in cities around the worldSan Francisco, Singapore and other cities are turning to a new form of planning called "Urban Prototyping," which brings together activists, artists, planners and programmers in hackathons to solve problems such as the breakdowns of municipal buses in San Francisco, according to this article. One issue is how to implement applications created in hackathons after the initial excitement of collaboratively creating those apps. The Wall Street Journal/TechEurope blog
(9/26)

Smart grid requires short-term gains with long-term commitmentThe transition to a fully intuitive and bidirectional energy infrastructure requires that investors be committed to a gradual evolution comprised of baby steps and giant leaps, according to the chair of the IEEE P2030 Working Group who insists it's vital that stakeholders understand the profundity of the undertaking. Dick DeBlasio writes the smart grid will represent the most profound change to energy production, distribution and consumption since the industry's inception and as such will require "substantial change in regulations and business processes." TheEnergyCollective.com
(10/1)

Innovative power supplies are needed for smart metersMore sophisticated power supplies are needed for the smart meters being installed by electrical utilities, according to 42 Technology consultant Tolga Aydemir. This technical article surveys several developments in the field such as single-mode power supply topologies and the use of piezoelectric transformers. Electronics Weekly (U.K.)
(9/26)

Combating Identity Theft in a Mobile, Social WorldMobile connectivity threats extend from consumers to the business environment. But who is really responsible for securing sensitive information? Smart business leaders are becoming proactive on the matter. Learn how to get protected in this white paper. Download the white paper now.

Setting the Agenda

IEEE tackles grid apps and management with new standards projectThe IEEE has updated four standards covering smart grid communication and operations and has approved a new development project -- IEEE P1854 -- designed to codify energy-related applications and management solutions. Among the protocol enhancements, the organization revised an earlier standard, IEEE 1815-2010, to address emerging digital cybersecurity threats and updated another to include new distribution reliability nomenclature and indices. Metering.com
(9/28)

FCC chief clarifies earlier thinking on broadbandFederal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski said in remarks last week the U.S. continues to lag behind the rest of the world when it comes to broadband speeds and capacity, and admitted an earlier proposal to bring 100 Mbps access to 100 million homes by 2020 does not go far enough. Genachowski lauded efforts by Google to inaugurate an era of gigabit broadband, and called on the industry to deploy larger backbones to support next-generation services such as video. GigaOm
(9/25)

How SDN Makes Campus Networks BetterWhen should agencies adopt SDN? IDC reports that SDN provides immediate benefits for government campus networks, including modernized IT infrastructures that are more agile, cost-effective, and collaborative.Read this new IDC paper to learn more.

UTC News

Webinar: Fiber in Substations
10/10/2012 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern timeMany utilities, upgrading substations with advanced protection and control and SCADA systems, are selecting fiber as the primary data transport medium for these applications due to its reliability, speed and immunity to electromagnetic interference. This webinar will provide you with practical and tested insight on the latest in fiber-based substation applications, as well as present best practices for designing, installing and testing fiber infrastructure in the substation. Learn what fiber and connector types are best for your situation, and the best use for multifiber backbones. Lessons learned from representative projects will be shared such as solutions for efficient cable management, and tips for troubleshooting and maintenance. Find out more.